Holderness Inshore recommended Marine Conservation Zone

MCZ Tranche 2

Common sunstar (Credit Carrie Pillow)

Mixed sediments of gravel, sand and cobbles create a mosaic of habitats for marine wildlife.

Harbour porpoise and minke whales are often spotted from the shore.

Running from Skipsea to Spurn Point, the seafloor here boasts a wealth of diversity, including habitats of cobbles, mixed sediment, sand and chalk, alongside patches of peat and clay. This mosaic supports a dense coverage of hydroid and bryozoan turf, sponges and ross worm reef as well as many fish, including tope and smoothhound. Over 8 different types of crabs have been seen at Holderness Inshore as well as the purple bloody henry starfish and common sunstars. Harbour porpoises and minke whales are often spotted from the shore passing through this area.

Holderness Inshore is also important for foraging seabirds as well as migrants. Within the southern region is ‘The Binks’, a geological feature forming the seaward extension of Spurn Point.

Holderness Inshore is currently under consideration for the second tranche of MCZs. This site was proposed for a number of features including: (1) Spurn Head - an active spit system which extends across the mouth of the Humber Estuary; (2) ‘The Binks’ - an area of subtidal rubble adjacent to the spit, which traps sediment and reduces erosion of Spurn head; and (3) deep water rocks which are home to an array of animals such as cup corals, sea-fans, sponges, brittlestars and sea urchins.

This recommended Marine Conservation Zone is under consideration for the second tranche of MCZs

This site provides a nursery habitat for fish species and the biogenic reefs found within the site contribute to coastal protection.

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Location map

Contains UKHO Law of the Sea data. Crown copyright and database right and contains Ordnance Survey Data Crown copyright and database 2012